Michel Boni: Playing with a point to prove

Striker Michel Boni has made a fast start to the 2025/26 campaign, stepping up from the Under-18s to feature regularly for Brentford B.

The 17-year-old scored during pre-season against AFC Wimbledon, played his part against Chelsea, and was heavily involved in the build-up to the Bees’ dramatic late equaliser against Hull City in the Professional Development League opener.

He then found the net from the penalty spot against Fleetwood Town for the Under-18s, continuing a run of consistent goalscoring in the early weeks of the new season.

For Boni, those contributions come off the back of a productive summer where he was also a standout performer during the U18s’ tour of Portugal, hitting braces in matches against Gil Vicente U18s and Porto U17s.

Reflecting on the last few months, he said his progress has been about learning from previous frustrations.

“Last season, I felt like I was rushing and overthinking chances too much. I was snatching at opportunities instead of being calm,” Boni explained.

“This summer I really worked on my finishing. I don’t have a strict routine, but I made sure I spent a lot of time on it, and I feel sharper. Now I just want to keep improving, keep scoring, and hopefully that will lead to more opportunities with the B team.”

That determination stems from a deep motivation both on and off the pitch. Boni describes himself as someone who plays football with “a point to prove” – a mindset inspired in part by his love for Formula 1 and one driver in particular.

“I’m a massive Lewis Hamilton fan,” he said. “The way he’s carried himself, the way he’s broken barriers in his sport, that really inspires me. As a Black player, I’m aware of what so many people before me had to go through to be accepted. That makes me proud and it pushes me to be the best version of myself.”

Born to Ivorian and Beninese parents, Boni believes the values instilled in him at home are also key to his identity as a Brentford player.

“My parents come from different countries and cultures, but they share the same values: discipline, hard work, respect. I think those qualities make me the kind of player who fits perfectly here. Brentford is about togetherness and pushing forward as a group, and that’s something I really connect with," said Boni.

With a bright start to the season already under his belt, Boni hopes his development continues to gather pace as he looks to establish himself at B-team level.

“My aim is just to keep showing what I can do. Every game is a chance to prove myself. I love scoring goals, but more than that, I want to keep growing as a player. If I keep working, I know the opportunities will come.”

Boni also spoke about the relationships he has across both teams: “When you trust the players around you, it gives you confidence to express yourself. I know that if I make a run or take a risk, someone’s going to try and assist me. It’s the same the other way round – I’ll always do my best to support my team-mates. That understanding is what makes football enjoyable.”

He added that the support network within the B team has helped him settle quickly.

“Moving into a new group can sometimes be difficult, but here it’s been easy because the atmosphere is so welcoming," he said.

"The older players have given me advice, the staff are always encouraging, and the younger lads are hungry to learn. That mix makes it a really positive place to be. I have not officially been moved up but that is my target.”

Boni started for the first time in the Under-21s Professional Development League on Tuesday, featuring from the off in a 2-1 away victory at Huddersfield Town.

Looking ahead, Boni believes that maintaining those close ties will be just as important as continuing his personal growth.

“I know I’ve got a lot to improve on, but I feel I’m in the right environment to do that," he concluded.

"The friendships I’ve built here push me to work harder, and I want to repay that trust by contributing as much as I can on the pitch.”

Click here to read article